Monday Movies: Six Recent Rom Coms That Are Totally Smart
You know what I so LOVE. When a white man with little to no experience in a particular subject barges through the door and says he’s going to revolutionize this thing he knows nothing about because he has all the power of being a white man. Barf. Recently, Dave Franco gave an interview about how he and Alison Brie have written a rom com together. But not just any rom com guys-a “smart” one. First of all, fuck of with this hot take. Second, by labeling your own rom com (something you know nothing about) as “smart” what you’re really saying is all the rest of them are dumb. And you can fuck off with that hot take too because your face is dumb, Dave Franco. Why is it that men are constantly trying to take the romance genre, whether in movies or in books, and “elevate” it. It’s already elevated assholes, and we don’t need your help to make the genre “smart”. Dave references Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally as his two road markers for success, which tells me two things. One, he wants to be Nora Ephron and like who doesn’t Dave, get in line. And two, Dave hasn’t watched a rom com in thirty years. So while we all wait on the edge of our seats for Dave’s groundbreaking rom com, let’s take a look at six recent rom coms (from the last three years) that are smart as fuck.
Crazy Rich Asians (HBO): Crazy Rich Asians is the rom com stuff dreams are made of. The clothes, the wedding, Henry Golding, it’s a sumptuous feast for the eyes. It’s also laugh out loud funny and full of strong women. The film made a crap ton of money at the box office in 2018 and has a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. Anyone who wants to call this movie not smart is dumb.
Ibiza (Netflix): I’ve talked about this totally underrated movie before because my boyfriend Richard Madden is in it and I love him. But the true stars of Ibiza are the women, Gillian Jacobs, Phoebe Robinson, and Vanessa Bayer, who are all funny as fuck. I’ve seen this movie probably thirty times and it still makes me laugh out loud. And it was written by a woman, Lauryn Kahn, which is part of the reason it’s so awesome.
The Lovebirds (Netflix): I recently reviewed this movie in its entirety, and it instantly became a movie I will watch over and over again. Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani are hilarious and there are some amazing one-liners throughout the film. The first time I watched it, I was laughing so hard, Matt came out of his office to check on me. We then later watched it together, and he laughed just as hard as I did.
Always Be My Maybe (Netflix): Everyone loves this movie for the Keanu scenes, but for me, I am all about Ali Wong. She is the epitome of female-centered comedy and her character in this movie is perfection. The rom com has two main purposes: make you laugh and make you feel good, and this one does both.
To All the Boys I Loved Before (Netflix): This movie definitely gears toward the younger teen crowd, but honestly, it’s just as enjoyable as an adult. Lara Jean and Peter’s fake dating relationship is sweet and charming, and there’s no way you finish watching this one without a huge smile on your face. This one was written by a woman, Sofia Alvarez, and directed by a woman, Susan Johnson, AND it has a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. Not bad for a silly teen rom com.
Plus One (Hulu): Plus One really flew under the radar, which is a shame because it’s a great movie. Maya Erskine (of PEN15 fame) is her usually funny self in this romp between two friends who agree to go as plus ones to all their friends’ weddings. There’s also a healthy dose of family drama in case all the love drama isn’t enough for you.
So sorry (not sorry) Dave Franco, but your totally unique idea to write a smart rom com is going to have to take a backseat to all of the other super smart rom coms already in existence. Maybe next time do at least five seconds of research before proclaiming yourself the king of something you clearly know nothing about. For the rest of you, if you haven’t already seen these wicked smaht rom coms, I’m happy to have been able to introduce them to you! Happy watching!
